File Extension Database

Open PRN File

PRN file extension is used to provide information to the printer about file to be printed or simply called Windows Printer File. This file extension can be created once "print to file" option is selected while printing. It allows printing of the same file from other computers aside from the original source. These files can be open and printed on both Mac and Windows operating systems.

Files with this extension can be printed without installing the application used in creating the file to be printed. It is not necessary to view the file to be printed since the software application supporting it is not installed. PRN files can be viewed on some text editors, but may include characters unrecognized by the user. These characters are used by the printer to indicate some settings of the file.

Printer files can either be printer through USB connection or parallel connection. For printing PRN files from Windows command line, similar command should be typed. "COPY /B [filename.prn] \\[Computer Name]\[Shared Printer Name]", this allows the PRN file to be printed through USB connection. While "COPY /B [filename.prn] LPT1:" is for parallel connection.

Applications that can open PRN files include AllWeb FastPrint, Free Raw Print, the Windows command line, and other printer software capable of viewing PRN files for both Mac and Windows.

Typical PRN application file locations:

"g:\Program Files (x86)\Corel\CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5\Programs\CORELDRW.EXE" -DDE

Frequently used application names to open PRN files:

Corel

Frequently associated Windows objects:

CorelDraw.Graphic.15

How Can I Open PRN File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open PRN file is to find a PRN file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PRN file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open PRN file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as PRN file opener then try to search online for "PRN viewer", "application to open PRN file" or "open PRN file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open PRN file

How Can I Open PRN File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a PRN file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PRN file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with PRN file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as PRN file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open PRN file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open PRN file then try to search for "PRN viewer", "application to open PRN file" or "read PRN file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read PRN file

How Can I Open PRN File on Android

If you downloaded a PRN file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded PRN file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "PRN".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "PRN viewer", "PRN file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open PRN File on iPhone or iPad

To open PRN File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the PRN file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "PRN". This way you can find apps which can open PRN files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "PRN viewer" or "PRN file" online in your favorite search engine.